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Product Introduction
Engineering plastics such as polycarbonate, fluoroplastics, and polysulfone demand rigorous flow characterization that goes beyond simple mass-based MFR measurement. During melt processing, volumetric changes caused by thermal expansion and density variation significantly affect mold filling behavior and extrusion stability — factors that mass-only MFR values cannot fully predict. The HM-RZT addresses this gap by combining both MFR (Mass Flow Rate) and MVR (Melt Volume Rate) measurement in a single instrument, providing the dual-parameter flow data that advanced polymer processing requires.
The MVR measurement system uses a precision displacement sensor with 0.1 mm resolution to track piston travel during extrusion, calculating the volume of polymer displaced per unit time (cm³/10min). Combined with the simultaneously recorded MFR mass data, this enables direct calculation of melt density (MFR/MVR ratio) — a critical parameter for injection molding simulation, extrusion die design, and process window optimization. The digital display provides real-time visualization of both displacement and temperature parameters throughout the test cycle.
With temperature capability reaching 300°C standard (400°C custom) and load configurations spanning 0.325 kg to 21.6 kg, the HM-RZT covers testing conditions across ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, ISO 1133, and JIS K7210. The tungsten carbide die (Φ2.095 ± 0.005 mm orifice, 8.000 ± 0.025 mm length) and 160 mm barrel (Φ9.550 ± 0.025 mm inner diameter) are dimensionally compliant with all four standards. See our comprehensive melt flow testing resource for guidance on selecting between MFR-only and dual-mode instruments.
Applications
- Polycarbonate optical lens manufacturing — MVR data for injection molding simulation software calibration
- Fluoroplastics (PTFE, FEP, PFA) wire insulation extrusion — volumetric flow rate for die sizing calculations
- Automotive under-hood component development — nylon PA6/PA66 MFR/MVR certification per OEM specifications
- Medical device polymer validation — biocompatible grade PC and PEEK flow property documentation for regulatory filings
- Semiconductor wafer carrier manufacturing — PFA and PEEK MVR consistency for ultra-clean molding processes
- Polymerization plant R&D — melt density characterization for new resin grade development
- Compounding quality assurance — MFR/MVR dual-parameter batch release for masterbatch and compound producers
Key Features and Advantages
- Dual-mode MFR + MVR measurement provides mass flow and volumetric flow data in a single test run, eliminating the need for two separate instruments and halving sample consumption
- 0.1 mm displacement precision enables accurate MVR volume tracking, essential for engineering plastics where density varies significantly at test temperatures — a capability that mass-only testers fundamentally lack
- Direct melt density calculation from MFR/MVR ratio supports injection molding CAE simulation input, extrusion die design optimization, and process window determination without additional density measurement equipment
- Digital display system provides simultaneous real-time readout of temperature, displacement, and timing — eliminating the need for manual data recording and reducing transcription errors
- 1-second timing precision ensures accurate extrudate interval control for consistent MFR sampling, particularly important for low-flow engineering resins where small timing errors produce large result deviations
- Compliance with ASTM D1238, D3364, ISO 1133, and JIS K7210 covers virtually all global thermoplastic testing requirements from a single instrument, reducing multi-standard lab equipment redundancy
- 300°C standard temperature range (400°C custom) accommodates high-melting engineering plastics including polycarbonate (300°C), polysulfone (340°C), and select fluoroplastics
- Configurable load combinations from 1.2 kg to 21.6 kg cover the standard test conditions for all major thermoplastic families — PE, PP, PS, ABS, PC, PA, POM, and fluoroplastics
- Auto and manual cutting modes provide testing flexibility: automatic mode for production QC throughput, manual mode for research-grade method development
- Tungsten carbide die maintains dimensional accuracy (Φ2.095 ± 0.005 mm) through extended use, preventing the wear-induced measurement drift common with steel dies in high-volume testing environments
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement Methods | Mass Flow Rate (MFR) + Melt Volume Rate (MVR) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient – 300°C (400°C custom available) |
| Constant Temperature Accuracy | ±2°C |
| Displacement Measurement Precision | 0.1 mm |
| Timing Precision | 1 second |
| Display | Digital display |
| Barrel Inner Diameter | 9.550 ± 0.025 mm |
| Barrel Length | 160 mm |
| Die Material | Tungsten carbide |
| Die Length | 8.000 ± 0.025 mm |
| Die Inner Diameter | 2.095 ± 0.005 mm |
| Standard Load Components | 0.325, 0.875, 0.96, 1.2, 1.64, 2.5, 4.1, 5.0 kg |
| Configurable Combinations | 1.2, 2.16, 3.8, 5.0, 7.16, 10, 12.5, 21.6 kg |
| Cutting Mode | Automatic / Manual |
| Power | 0.5 kW |
| Power Supply | AC 220V, 50 Hz |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 10°C – 40°C |
| Ambient Humidity | 30% – 80% RH |
| Applicable Standards | ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, ISO 1133, JIS K7210 |
FAQ
A: Engineering plastics like polycarbonate and fluoroplastics undergo significant density changes at their test temperatures (often 280–380°C). MFR measures only mass flow (g/10min), which can be identical for two resin batches that actually have different volumetric flow behavior due to density variation. MVR captures this volumetric dimension (cm³/10min), providing the complete flow picture needed for precision molding simulation and die design where volumetric fill rate matters more than mass throughput.
A: Melt density is simply the ratio of MFR to MVR: ρ_melt = MFR / MVR, expressed in g/cm³. For example, if a polycarbonate sample yields MFR = 10 g/10min and MVR = 9.5 cm³/10min, the melt density is 10/9.5 = 1.053 g/cm³. This value is a critical input parameter for injection molding CAE simulation software like Moldflow, where accurate melt density improves fill prediction accuracy.
A: ASTM D3364 is the standard test method specifically for MVR measurement of thermoplastics — the volumetric counterpart to ASTM D1238 (which covers MFR). Labs serving the aerospace, medical device, and semiconductor industries often need to report MVR per D3364 alongside MFR per D1238. The HM-RZT's dual-mode capability and compliance with both standards enables a single instrument to fulfill both reporting requirements.
A: Yes, the HM-RZT supports temperatures up to 300°C standard (400°C custom), covering most fluoroplastic test conditions. Fluoroplastics like FEP (test temperature typically 280–380°C depending on grade) and PFA require sustained high-temperature operation, and the tungsten carbide die maintains dimensional accuracy under these conditions. For specific fluoroplastic grades requiring 400°C, the custom configuration should be specified at time of order.
A: For routine PE/PP MFR testing at standard conditions (190°C/2.16 kg or 230°C/2.16 kg), a mass-only tester like the HM-RZ is sufficient and more cost-effective. However, if your lab also serves engineering plastics customers or needs MVR data for process simulation, the HM-RZT provides both capabilities in one instrument. Many certification labs choose the dual-mode HM-RZT as their primary unit and use mass-only testers as secondary instruments for high-volume commodity resin testing.
A: The HM-RZT ships complete with a tool kit, gauze roll, tungsten carbide die, loading rod (cleaning rod), die clearing tool, funnel, tongs, and a full set of calibrated weights. This comprehensive package allows immediate operation without additional purchases. Optional accessories include a RS232 data cable for PC connectivity and stainless steel weight sets for corrosive-resistant environments.
A: Choose the HM-RZ if your testing is primarily commodity thermoplastics (PE, PP, PS, ABS) using mass-method MFR per ISO 1133 or ASTM D1238 — it offers ±0.5°C accuracy at a lower price point. Choose the HM-RZT if you need MVR capability for engineering plastics, work with multiple international standards including ASTM D3364 and JIS K7210, or require volumetric flow data for mold simulation. The dual-mode capability makes it the more versatile choice for labs serving diverse polymer industries.
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